A Joyful Debut for Cap De Joie

“Welcome to Australia little girl” was the call heard as Cap De Joie (GB) made a winning debut in Australia for trainer Nick Ryan and connections.

Cap De Joie won comfortably, by an ever expanding 1.25L margin on the line, at Bendigo on Thursday in a 1300m fillies maiden with legendary jockey Damien Oliver in the saddle. It was an impressive performance considering she hadn’t raced in almost a year and 1300m looks well short of her preferred distance.

“…to come out at her first start and do that over 1300m is very impressive” said Nick Ryan.

“…there’s more in store for her and that’s very exciting to see.”

When asked what was next for Cap De Joie Ryan said “She’s gonna get out in trip and that opens a lot doors and she could be a very valuable mare.”

Jockey Damien Oliver was full of praise for the filly after the win.

“She’s a nice horse. Not a lot of her but she looked a picture today and she displayed a nice turn of foot…”

Originally spotted when 5th behind subsequent stakes winner Limiti Di Greccio in a Leopardstown maiden by Jeff Gordon of JJ Gordon Bloodstock, interest really peaked after a fast finishing 3rd at Naas over 1400m. Funnily enough Cigamia, the winner of that race, won a Listed race in Ireland Wednesday night.

Jeff and Nick then teamed up with English bloodstock agent Richard Ryan to act on their behalf over in Europe. Richard has a keen eye for talent and is the racing manager for Teme Valley who won the Cox Plate with State Of Rest in 2021. The trio teamed up again in November last year when purchasing a Muhaarar colt at the Tatts Yearling Sale.

As for Cap De Joie, a step up in trip next start looks assured and the stable are excited to see what this soon to be mare can do in the Spring.